Why has Wuthering Heights become an instant streaming hit on HBO Max despite its ‘rotten’ score on Rotten Tomatoes? The film debuted on May 1, 2026, and quickly rose to the top of the platform’s charts.
Key facts:
- Wuthering Heights is a movie adaptation of a 179-year-old book.
- The film was directed by Emerald Fennell.
- It grossed $242 million worldwide against an $80 million production budget.
- The film has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 57%, which is considered ‘rotten’.
- It became the No. 1 movie on HBO Max in the United States shortly after its release.
- The film features actors Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.
Emerald Fennell directed Wuthering Heights after her previous film, Promising Young Woman, received a Best Picture nomination. This background may have contributed to initial interest in her latest project. However, critics did not respond favorably to the adaptation, as reflected in its Rotten Tomatoes rating.
Yet, audience reception diverges from critical reviews. Viewers have embraced the film, leading to its rapid ascent in streaming rankings. The combination of a well-known story and popular actors likely fueled this unexpected success.
No information is available on how long Wuthering Heights will maintain its top position on HBO Max or whether it will receive further accolades. As it stands, the film’s performance raises intriguing questions about the relationship between critical acclaim and audience enjoyment.
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